statement

fram·ing /ˈfrāmiNG/

n.

1. The act, process, or manner of constructing anything.

2. The act of providing with a frame.

3. a frame or a system of frames; framework.

4. A frame in social theory consists of a schema of interpretation, a collection of anecdotes and stereotypes, that individuals rely on to understand and respond to events. In other words, people build a series of mental filters through biological and cultural influences. They use these filters to make sense of the world. The choices they then make are influenced by their creation of a frame.[1]

de·con·struc·tion /ˌdēkənˈstrəkSHən/

n.

1. In the context of physical construction, deconstruction is the selective dismantlement of building components, specifically for re-use, recycling, and waste management. It differs from demolition where a site is cleared of its building by the most expedient means. Deconstruction has also been defined as “construction in reverse”. The process of dismantling structures is an ancient activity that has been revived by the growing field of sustainable, green building. Buildings, like everything, have a life-cycle. Deconstruction focuses on giving the materials within a building a new life once the building as a whole can no longer continue.[2]

2. A form of philosophical and literary analysis, derived mainly from work begun in the 1960s by the French philosopher Jacques Derrida, that questions the fundamental conceptual distinctions, or “oppositions,” in Western philosophy through a close examination of the language and logic of philosophical and literary texts. In popular usage the term has come to mean a critical dismantling of tradition and traditional modes of thought.[3]

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Framing Deconstruction explores the multiple meanings behind the series title. In the images, we travel to a variety of abandoned properties, old and new, where a monolith stands confronting us. By tearing apart and refashioning an abandoned wardrobe found on the side of the road in Gary, Indiana, the original intent was to create a symbol of reincarnation, or a phoenix rising from the decay seen throughout the city. But, when observing the object move between these forgotten places, senses of familiarity and unease coalesce. Instead of a glorified rising phoenix, we have a straightforward portrait of an object that represents everything and nothing about where we live and consume. This sense of familiarity and unease mirrors current issues we are experiencing; overdevelopment, post-industrial America and the mortgage crisis.

In an attempt to find solutions to these pervasive problems, it was decided to split 10% of proceeds from this project and donate to 2 excellent non-profits, the 21st Century Charter School of Gary, Indiana and the ReBuilding Exchange of Chicago. The 21st Century Charter School is a free K-12 located downtown Gary directly across the street from the long abandoned City Methodist Church. Its foremost goal is college readiness for every student. The school provides classes for actual college credit at no cost to the student and their family. The ReBuilding Exchange’s mission is to create a market for reclaimed building materials by diverting these materials from landfills and making them available to the public for reuse. Since 2009, they have reclaimed over 5,000 tons of building materials valued at well over $2,000,000. They also have a program to train ex-offenders in deconstruction processes which helps these “unemployable” people find jobs in the industry and follow a more positive life path.